Professional Profile: Scott Benson

compiled by Eden Zang

1. Name: Scott Benson

2. Job Title: Diver/Marine Biologist, Maui Ocean Center

3. Degree(s) held and from where.
    AA, Chabot College, Biology
    BA University of California, Santa Barbara, Aquatic Biology

4. Brief description of your job.
 Animal Husbandry for aquarium exhibits including marine fish and invertebrate acquisitions, collections, returns of animal to ocean, feeding, diets, population dynamics, disease treatments, exhibit maintenance, water flow dynamics, offshore pipe maintenance, equipment maintenance, "Shark Dive Maui" Dive Master.

5. Briefly describe the project(s) you are currently working on.
Acquisition of marine animals to permits issued by DLNR. Continuous improvements to existing exhibits, maintaining effluent water sampling techniques, improvements to fish and invertebrate diversity, release of 5 green sea turtles and entry of 6 new baby green sea turtles.

6. Explain how/why your job is important to society.
Public education for the marine sciences and husbandry. To understand the link of the Hawaiian culture, tradition, spiritual and balance (pono) the Hawaiian culture has had and still have with the oceans.

7. How did you end up doing what you’re doing?
Briefly, I was hired immediately out of school to be employed as an associate Marine Biologist with a consulting firm in Santa Barbara. We were contracted to do marine biological/oceanographic research for a nuclear power plant (Diablo Canyon baseline study), US wide drilling fluid discharge studies, coastal municipality waste water effluent studies. Oregon State marine science center Newport, cetacean research, northwest coastal informative center liaison for dissemination of current academic research to government, academic and private industries.


8. Were you inspired by anyone in particular? If so, who, and how did he/she influence your career choice?
When I was in 7th grade, I decided I wanted to be a marine biologist. I began diving at age 15. My father introduced me to Jacques Cousteau in 1971 as a Senior in High School at a Chancellor Change ceremony at U.C. Berkley. That was my catalyst. I had a mentor, Robert Meek, PhD. who guided me along this journey. My parents were responsible for creating the environment for me to excel in my dream!

9. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Wow! The care and respect of our ocean creatures. To help people who don't fully understand, approach some understanding of just how fragile our planet is, covered by 3/4 oceans. To see the joy and amazement of their witness to such an incredible marine world. To work with so many dedicated individuals within our organization and external groups.

10. If you could change one aspect of your job, what would it be?
Increase public awareness of the depletion of ocean resources, sharks, dolphins, whales for consumption and trophy. We need to educate our young to step up and assume responsibility for education and ownership of our oceans for its protection period. We need to have legislation supporting these young care takers in their endeavors.

11. Describe the most fun and exciting experience you have had during your career.
More than one can imagine! I guess untangling an adult female grey whale from entangled line from a suspended 500lb crab pot off the coast of Newport, Oregon. I freed her after some effort and she was on her way north and caught up with her pod. Determine offshore drilling fluid discharge rate was acceptable concerning environmental impact. Knowing information I provided through the Northwest Coastal Information Center helped the entities I provided new research findings. So much more over a lifetime of experience.

12. Describe the most disappointing or frustrating experience you have had during your career.
I don't care how many degrees one has, but common sense takes precedence! Offshore experience with the activities associated during operations is critical. I told a PhD group of scientists that a diver buddy of mine was in danger. They did not listen. He almost lost his life. Human mistake took the life of two buddies in the North Sea. I almost lost my life 4 separate activities offshore. Do not ever take mother ocean for granted.

13. What do you like to do on your days off?
Play. I mean we are surrounded by so much adventure, hiking, diving, exploring, Hawaiian culture, traveling to visit family and friends, entertaining, movies, sitting at home reading fiction/fact, cooking, watching science channels of TV, listening to classic rock and classical music.

14. What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about pursuing a career similar to yours?
Develop a passion! If one has a passion, the rest will come. A young person will gather momentum from parents, siblings and friends. Get a sincere and dedicated education. The marine sciences cycles. We as the world is finally figuring out the oceans are very critical to our existence. Grab on to it and help pass the torch.

15. Can you recommend any particular educational programs/internships, etc. that will help students prepare for a career like yours?
Investigate all opportunities. Create a viable resume of your passion and pursue that entity fitting your interests. Do not take "no" as their first response. Be aggressive and go after what you want. As far as educational programs, obtain curriculum of any state or university that will accredit internship to your academic overall class credit program. Get involved with any activity pertaining to your major. Diving collections, offshore work, lab employment. Enthusiasm will take one a long way. Keep a mental picture of you goals strive to be the best at what you do. You may not be a millionaire but your heart and mind will be true!
Some advice from a person who has enjoyed a wonderful life experience sharing and protecting our oceans.
- Scott Benson

Scott with Eden Zang at the Maui Ocean Center's sea turtle release event on Ka'anapali Beach, August 2011